​The Lab Rotation Progression is a tool that identifies the necessary steps to take when implementing a Blended Lab Rotation Model

Lab Rotation Model

• Students to rotate through stations on a fixed schedule set by teacher. 
• Online learning occurs in a dedicated computer lab or in a 1:1 environment. 
• This model allows for flexible scheduling arrangements with teachers and other paraprofessionals, and supports use of all space on campus.​

​
Learn more about the Lab Rotation by visiting the Blended Learning Universe at www.blendedlearning.org. 

A progression is a pathway a learner might take to reach the end goal or learning target. This tool is carefully sequenced across three phases of implementation:

Download Foundation Phase

Inspiration Bank

 Identifies the sequence of teacher and student actions that must be mastered in order to establish the foundation and readiness for an effective lab rotation. 

Download Differentiated Phase

Inspiration Bank

Identifies the sequence of teacher and student actions that enables differentiation in an effective lab rotation.

download personalized phase

Inspiration Bank

Builds on the Foundation and Differentiated phases to identify the sequence of teacher and student actions that meet the need and interest of every learner. ​

Below you'll find articles, research, practitioner training, and campus or classroom examples from Dallas ISD leaders to suggest the next move you (or for those you coach) might take.

Foundation Phase

Identifies the sequence of teacher and student actions that must be mastered in order to establish the foundation and readiness for an effective lab rotation.

 

Planning Before Lesson

1. The classroom environment is set up for some students to receive whole group instruction and some students to use technology. Varied Learning Experiences + Differentiated Learning Objectives + Data Driven Instruction

Next Move: Organize your space so your whole group area is separate from your technology area.

How do I set up a station rotation model in my classroom? | Learning Accelerator  Arrange the Computers in your classroom | Computer Science Teaching Tips How do I Set up a Digital Workstation in Classroom | Professional Learning Board  9 Practical Tips for Setting Up Blended Learning Stations in Your Classroom | Power my Learning Learning Zones | Learning Accelerator Student Input in Classroom Layout | Learning Accelerator

Teacher Station

 

2. Teacher creates and shares an agenda for rotations that includes student groups, expectations, and transitions. Routines and Procedures​

Next Move: Post schedule for rotations and use a timer. Set and practice transition expectations.

What is the Rotation Model | Henry County, GA  Virtual Rotation Model with Google Slides | Greg Kulowiec Rotation Expectations | Blended Video |BetterLesson ​Station Transition |Video by BetterLesson  Planning guide to help create routines, procedures and expectations for a blended environment | Dallas ISD Personalized Learning Department

 

3. Teacher delivers a mini-lesson and monitors task completion of the lab group. Data Driven Instruction + Differentiated Learning Objectives

Next Move: Use a teacher dashboard if students are accessing content through an adaptive software program or create your own virtual checks that you can monitor remotely (e.g., Google Forms, LAN school) in real time.​

Classroom Management Apps and Websites | Common Sense Student and Teacher Progress Tracking through Tracker Sheets | Learning Accelerator ​Real-Time Data | Better Lesson

 

4.  Teacher checks for understanding and sometimes gives general feedback. Student Feedback ​​+ Rapport with Students

Next Move: Create a check for understanding to measure student mastery and give feedback to the group. ​​

Formative Assessment Tool: Exit Tickets | The Learning Accelerator 56 Examples of Formative Assessment | Edutopia

Lab Station

 

5. Students access digital content through an agenda with clear directions. ​Routines and Procedures

​Next Move: 1. Use an adaptive software program, if available. 2. If not, create a digital set of tasks or activities completed at their own pace.

Student Choice in Resources and Assignments through “Menus” | Learning Accelerator  Planning guide to help create routines, procedures and expectations for a blended environment | Dallas ISD Personalized Learning Department

 

6. Students access the online content in a computer lab or on a computer away from the whole group lesson. Access to Materials

​Next Move: 1. If using an adaptive software program, provide log-in and directions for students to access content.  2. If not, provide instructions for a digital set of tasks or activities completed at their own pace.

4 Tips for Managing Blended Learning | Edutopia Provide On-Demand Directions | Kristen Watkins, Dallas ISD Personalized Learning Department Record Video Directions and Maximize Your Minutes | Catlin Tucker

 

7. Students' progress and misconceptions are monitored and addressed after the lab rotation is completed. Student Feedback ​

​​Next Move: Create a system for providing feedback to students on tasks completed during the lab rotation.

Classroom Management Apps and Websites | Common Sense Real-Time Data | Better Lesson Student and Teacher Progress Tracking through Tracker Sheets | Learning Accelerator

Student Role

 

8. Students exercise routines and procedures that minimize disruption. ​Routines and Procedures​

Next Move: Explicitly teach, practice and post routines for accessing devices and software. ​

Station Transition | Better Lesson  Verifying Student Learning Locations through QR Codes | Learning Accelerator One-Way Streets | Learning Accelerator  Transition Time | Better Lesson

 

9. Students troubleshoot and access the online task. ​Routines and Procedures+ Self-Direction

Next Move: Create and post a procedure for students to follow when devices or programs aren’t working.​

How to Help Students Troubleshoot Technology Problems | Edutopia  Basic tech troubleshooting when teaching and learning online | Digital Pedagogy  Your Computer Isn't Broken: Quick Tech Fixes for Students |NEA Launch | Blended Video | BetterLesson 13 Activities for When Classroom Technology Fails | Moore English Blog

 

10. Students track progress using metrics of time spent, lessons completed, or standards mastered. ​Routines and Procedures + Self-Direction + Data Driven Instruction

Next Move: Create a system for students  to track their own minutes completed, lessons completed on software, or standards mastered (if using an ​adaptive software program this may be embedded). ​

Helping Students Track Their Learning | Edutopia  Free Digital Progress Trackers for Google Form Practice | Teaching with Jennifer Findley  Track student progress and receive student work | Google   Best Practices in Blended Learning – Educational Technology | Section on The Online Adaptive Learning Program Station 5 Classroom Management Tips for Technology Integration | KQED  Helping Students Track Their Learning | Edutopia

Differentiated Phase

Identifies the sequence of teacher and student actions that enables differentiation in an effective lab rotation.

 

1. Teacher delivers differentiated small group lessons and monitors task completion of the lab group. Data Driven Instruction + Differentiated Learning Objectives

Next Move: Use a teacher dashboard if students are accessing content through an adaptive software program or create your own virtual checks that you can monitor remotely (e.g., Google Forms, LAN school) in real time. ​

Differentiating Instruction Based on Student Need | Learning Accelerator  Station Rotation: Differentiating Instruction to Reach All Students | Edutopia  Station Rotation: Differentiating Instruction to Meet All Learners | Edutopia Introduction to Differentiation with Classroom Examples | Dr. Carol Tomlinson  Know, Understand, Do Chart | Education Elements Middle School Sample Lesson Kristen Watkins | Dallas ISD Personalized Learning Department Personalized Small Group Instruction Example | Better Lesson Station Rotation:Differentiating Instruction to Meet All Learners | Edutopia Monitoring Student Progress in a Modern Classroom | Modern Classrooms Project  Public Pacing Trackers in the Classroom | Modern Classrooms Project

 

2. Teacher completes a check for understanding that is specific to the student group. Student Feedback  + Personalized Learning Pathways

Next Move: Create a differentiated check for understanding to measure student mastery and give feedback specific to each group.

​​Formative Assessment Tool: Exit Tickets | The Learning Accelerator Levels of Understanding: Learning That Fits All | Edutopia System of Assessments to Demonstrate Mastery | BetterLesson

 

3. Teacher provides individual, specific feedback (i.e., feedback for learning). ​ Student Feedback

Next Move: Provide students individual feedback on formative assessment and then use a class roster to record the feedback you provide to individual students.

How to Provide Effective Feedback to Students | Teach Hub Teachers' Essential Guide to Formative Assessment | Common Sense Education  Using Aggressive Active Monitoring to Maximize Student Learning |Model Teaching The Importance of Student Self-Assessment | NWEA Blog Ron Berger’s “Story of Austin’s Butterfly” video | EL Education

Lab Station

 

4. Students access the online content through a to-do list with clear directions. ​Routines and Procedures + Self-Direction

Next Move: Create a to-do list and build habits for self direction for students to complete tasks

60-Second Strategy: Do Now Sheets | Edutopia Ten Tips for Personalized Learning via Technology | Edutopia To-Do List in Google Classroom – The Best Thing for Students Since Video Games | EdTech Awesomeness

 

5. Students work on a differentiated tech-based task assigned by the teacher. Personalized Learning Pathways

Next Move: 1. If using an adaptive software program, review student data and assign lessons based on need.  2. If teacher created, create a digital set of tasks or activities completed at their own pace that is differentiated for each identified group of students.

Rotation Expectations | Better Lesson  3 Ways to Plan for Diverse Learners: What Teachers Do | Edutopia Examples of How to Differentiate Instruction in the Classroom | Resilient Educator

 

6. Students’ progress and misconceptions are monitored by the teacher in real time. Data Driven Instruction

Next Move: If using a software program, keep the teacher dashboard up to monitor progress. If teacher-created, review virtual checks for understanding you can monitor (e.g., Google Forms, LAN school) in real time.

​Simple Ways to Track Student Progress – and a Few Things to Do When They Aren’t Progressing | Really Good Stuff 10 Data Tracking Apps You Can Use In Your Class Tomorrow | Georgia Public Broadcasting Checking Student Progress in Realtime | EdPuzzle 75 digital tools ... to support formative assessment | NWEA Blog 7 Ways to Do Formative Assessments in Your Virtual Classroom | Edutopia

Student Role

 

7. Students exercise routines and procedures that help determine mastery. ​Routines and Procedures

Next Move: Explicitly teach, practice and post routines for navigating software dashboard to determine mastery and next steps.

​​Students Empowered | Idaho Mastery Based Education  Strategy: Teaching Classroom Routines | Classroom Check Up A Day in a Mastery-Centered Classroom | ASCD

 

8. Students track progress based on mastery. Data Driven Instruction + Mastery Based Progression

Next Move: Create a system for students to track their progress towards mastery (if using an adaptive software program this may be embedded).

Technology Progress Tracker | Cesar Reyes, Zaragoza Elementary  From Formative Assessment to Tracking Student Mastery: The Road to Competency-Based Instruction | Aurora Institute  How to track student progress | Jot Form

 

9. Students reflect on standards worked on for that day from the software program. Self-Direction + Growth Mindset

Next Move: Ensure the student-facing document provides space and instructions for reflection. ​

Student Reflection: A Tool for Growth and Development | AMLE  Reflection and Self-Assessment | Mastery Portfolio  Self-Reflection and Assessment | Jefferson County Schools

Personalized Phase

Identifies the sequence of teacher and student actions that enables personalization in an effective lab rotation.

Teacher Station

 

1. Teacher facilitates individuals or groups in completing the self-paced lesson and monitors task completion of the lab group. Data Driven Instruction + Differentiated Learning Objectives

Next Move: Explicitly teach, practice, and post routines for working on self-paced tasks. If working in groups, teach and practice expectations for collaboration (e.g. sentence starters, question prompts, or accountable talk)

How To Plan A Station Rotation | Teacher Vision  Rotation Expectations | BetterLesson 3 Secrets to Successful Station Rotation | Blended Learning Universe  Monitoring Student Progress in a Modern Classroom | Modern Classrooms Project

 

2. Teacher divides time between 1:1 goal conferencing and small group lessons. ​Self-Direction + Rapport with Students

Next Move: Create a weekly schedule so that all students participate in a 1:1 goal conference

Students Choose Learning Objectives | Learning Accelerator  Infinity Learning Maps | Learning Accelerator Research-Based Best Practices [Best Practice 1: Have students set goals] | Modern Classrooms Project A Framework for Student Goal-Setting | Edutopia

 

3. Teacher checks for understanding through a formative assessment that is varied, authentic, relevant, and rigorous. Authentic Assessment

Next Move: Close out the teacher rotation by using differentiated formative assessments to measure student mastery. ​

Teachers' Essential Guide to Formative Assessment​ | Common Sense Education How I Turned Formative Assessment into a Dialogue with My Students | Common Sense Education Formative Assessment Tool: Exit Tickets | The Learning Accelerator Levels of Understanding: Learning That Fits All | Edutopia System of Assessments to Demonstrate Mastery | BetterLesson

Lab Station

 

4. Students access their technology tasks for the day through their work plan. Varied Learning Experiences + ​Opportunities for Input

Next Move: Organize technology in a way that allows students to exercise their choice based on mastery and personal preference

Create Personalized Learning Plans for Every Student​ | Edmentum Building Self-Directed Habits with Work Plans (Google Slides) + Video | Personalized Learning Department, Dallas ISD Building Student Work Plans | Personalized Learning Department, Dallas ISD

 

5. Students exercise routines and procedures that allow for peer to peer troubleshooting. ​​Routines and Procedures

Next Move: Explicitly teach, practice and post routines for students to help each other with software access and  tracking procedures. ​

​​Student Scouts/Narrators | Better Lesson  10 tools for effective peer feedback in the classroom | Ditch that Textbook Student Roles: Democratizing Group Work | BetterLesson

 

6. Students hold each other accountable on software progress and misconceptions in real time with support from the teacher as needed. Peer Accountability + Collaborative Grouping

Next Move: Create a system for peer tutoring based on mastery of standards. Explicitly teach students how to use the system.

Green Lanyards | Learning Accelerator Blended Learning Self-Monitoring | Better Lesson

Student Role

 

7. Students use individual data to determine the order to complete  skills/tasks to complete on their work plan. ​Self-Direction + ​​Opportunities for Input

Next Move: Teach students how to review their own data and make purposeful decisions about what to practice or which task to complete.

​​Student Choice Over Path, Place, and Modalities | Learning Accelerator Promoting Personalization through Learner Pathways | Learning Accelerator   How Do I support Students in Building Agency and Owning Their Data | The Learning Accelerator  Student Ownership:How do I support student agency and owning their data? |  The Learning Accelerator Building Self-Directed Habits with Work Plans (Google Slides) + Video I Kristen Watkins, Dallas ISD Personalized Learning Department  Listening to My Students Changed My Project Plans [for the Better] | PBL Works

 

8. Students set a goal based on progress towards mastery, based on their data from the adaptive software program or tasks on their work plan. ​Self-Direction + Growth Mindset​

Next Move: Create a goal tracker for students to use when conferencing with teacher and/or peers on tasks mastered.

Students Choose Learning Objectives | Learning Accelerator Goal-setting practices that support a learning culture | KAPPAN Student Goal Setting: An Evidence-Based Practice | Midwest Comprehensive Center

 

9. Students monitor goals and make adjustments based on feedback from the teacher or from a peer conference. ​Self-Direction + Growth Mindset​

Next Move: Create a protocol for students to reflect on their goal progress and set next step.

The Value of Reciprocal Feedback | Edutopia  Six Insights about Insights Feedback | WestEd

Lab Rotation Extended Progression
File Size:	184 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

Lab Rotation Progression | Foundation Phase
File Size:	177 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

Lab Rotation Progression | Differentiated Phase
File Size:	169 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

Lab Rotation Progression | Personalized Phase
File Size:	169 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---